FAQs

Good oral hygiene allows you to maintain healthy teeth and gums, avoid bad breath, and restore your confidence to smile in public and during professional photos. It can also help you keep your teeth as you age and eliminate your risk of decay.

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. Flossing at least once a day will remove plaque and food particles between the teeth that your brush can’t reach. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can kill the germs that cause bad breath and leave your breath smelling fresh and clean.

Some smokers have stained teeth, bad breath, and chronic dry mouth. All of these issues can lead to tooth decay. Tobacco use also affects periodontal health by causing gum recession. As a result, the gums pull away from the roots of the teeth, creating deep pockets that become breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque.

Not only does tobacco use cause cavities and gum disease, but it also causes oral cancers. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. Of those cases, about 7,750 people will die from the disease. The risk of getting oral cancer is twice as high for people who use tobacco, compared to non-users. That is why quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health. If you are a smoker, talk to your dentist about programs that can help you quit for good.

Any time you insert a foreign object into the mouth, you run the risk of causing damage to your teeth. Not only can this damage occur from the actual piercing itself, but it can occur from the aftercare process as well. For example, when you are cleaning your piercing, you may need a toothpick to clean the area around the ball on the barbell gently. This toothpick can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth if it catches on your gum line while you are trying to clean it. Improperly caring for an oral piercing can also cause teeth to become inflamed and can lead to the development of an infection. This can lead to additional problems, including fever, chills, swollen glands in the neck, and headache.

If you do choose to get an oral piercing, it is important that you follow proper aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of complications and the need for further treatment to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. It is also important to speak with your dentist before getting an oral piercing to ensure that the procedure will not impact your oral health in any way.

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. It's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as hard bristles can be too abrasive on the tooth enamel. Using fluoride toothpaste is also recommended to

strengthen the enamel and protect it from decay. Remember to floss daily to remove any plaque or food particles that may have been left behind after brushing.

If you're unsure of how to brush your teeth properly, ask your dentist during your next checkup. They can demonstrate proper brushing techniques and educate you on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums between appointments.

Patients often wonder which is better, an electric or manual toothbrush. The answer to this may differ from person to person. Some patients may prefer having a rotating head to help them remove plaque from their teeth more effectively. Other patients may find that an electric brush is more effective at keeping their teeth clean because they are able to make it easier to reach every surface of the teeth.

In the end, the best toothbrush is the one that helps you achieve your healthiest smile!

Dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush every three to four months or whenever the bristles become frayed.

While you may change your toothbrush more often if you suffer from chronic gingivitis or another condition that requires you to brush your teeth more frequently, you should still change it regularly to prevent bacteria from building up on the bristles and causing further complications.

If you’re unable to remember to change your toothbrush regularly, consider investing in an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer that will remind you when it’s time to swap out your brush for a new one. These toothbrushes are more expensive upfront than manual brushes but will save you money in the long run by reducing the number of replacement heads you buy.

Sometimes, patients come to our office looking for sedation dentistry or dental implants when what they really need is to see their dentist for a routine cleaning and professional exam. But, other times, patients may believe that they only need a simple cavity filled – what they don’t know is that their tooth has actually been deeply infected and needs a root canal treatment.

Dental X-rays are the best tool that allows dentists to see the insides of your teeth so they can detect any cavities that you may not be aware of. When we catch cavities in their earliest stages, we can often restore the tooth with a composite filling and avoid the need for more extensive dental treatment. But if left untreated, a cavity can eventually turn into a serious infection – one that will require the replacement of the affected tooth with a dental implant and dental crown. This is why it’s so important to see your family dentist regularly! During these appointments, your dentist will be able to professionally clean your teeth and inspect them for any signs of more serious oral health concerns.

That depends on a number of factors – your desired results, how complex the procedure is, and more. Some procedures can be completed in just one session, while others require several appointments over the course of a few months. Your dentist can tell you what to expect from your specific treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.

If you're having serious tooth pain, we recommend you call your dental office right away. Even if you're not experiencing an emergency, your dentist can still help resolve the problem over the phone by recommending treatment or offering advice. You may also want to schedule another appointment as soon as possible to prevent further issues. If you're experiencing a life-threatening situation, you should dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

Absolutely! Invisalign is a revolutionary technology that is making waves in the world of dentistry. This technology is ground breaking because it offers total flexibility and convenience, helping you straighten your smile without having to deal with pesky braces. The best part is it’s virtually invisible! Clear aligners will discreetly fit over your teeth, and no one will even know you’re wearing them.

The only way to know for certain whether it’s right for you is to visit your dentist to find out.

The American Dental Association recommends regular check-ups and cleanings every six months or twice per year. However, some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health. For instance, patients with a history of gum disease might need to see a periodontist every three to four months during maintenance therapy to keep plaque from coming back and affecting the gums. Those with severe cases of periodontitis may require periodontal surgery to treat the infection and prevent further damage to teeth and gums.

Children should see the dentist for the first time by their first birthday and then continue to visit every six months after that. These appointments are used to monitor growth and ensure the mouth is developing in a healthy manner. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a dentist’s office, patients can prevent many common dental health problems and enjoy healthy teeth for life.